Safe cycling for all at Lake Weeroona

A NEW service catering to people with a disability and the elderly has joined up with Bendigo Sailability to offer safe and free electric trishaw rides around Lake Weeroona.

Cycling Without Age is a worldwide non profit organisation founded in Denmark in 2012 that aims to address social isolation and community engagement for vulnerable community members.

The bespoke electric trishaws have seat belts attached, provide easy access entry and exit points and seat two passengers plus a volunteer pilot.

Bendigo Sailability organiser Sophie Bickford said the goals of Cycling Without Age centre around enhancing mental and physical wellbeing by providing people with a disability, and the elderly, the chance to be out in the community socialising and reducing isolation and loneliness.

“Bike riding is always something popular that people with a disability want to engage with and participate in,” she said.

“This is a fantastic way for them to be able to and I think it’ll be really well received.

“A lot of people don’t realise that we’re quite privileged that we can just hop on a bike and go for a ride.

“For a lot of people that’s a big task.”

Ms Bickford encouraged the elderly and disabled community members to try something new and meet some new people.

“Enjoy the sun around beautiful Lake Weeroona and enjoy a very safe and welcoming experience with the lovely volunteers,” she said.

Keep up to date with all Cycling Without Age Bendigo events via its Facebook page.